The Sunday before Easter

Published by the Visayan Daily Star Publications, Inc.

NINFA R. LEONARDIA Editor-in-Chief & President

CARLA P. GOMEZ Editor GUILLERMO TEJIDA III Desk Editor NANETTE L. GUADALQUIVER Busines Editor CEDELF P. TUPAS Sports Editor (On Leave) RENE GENOVE Bureau Chief, Dumaguete MAJA P. DELY Advertising Coordinator

CARLOS ANTONIO L. LEONARDIA Administrative Officer

Christians all over the world commemorate Holy Week or Passion Week with the celebration of Palm Sunday tomorrow. In Christianity, Palm Sunday, the Sunday before Easter is so called because of the custom of blessing palms and of carrying portions of branches in procession. The custom, which may be traced back at least to the 4th century, signals the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem.

Since tomorrow serves as the official start of Holy Week, Christians are expected to remember Jesus Christ's suffering, death on the cross, and resurrection on the third day.

The significance of Palm Sunday in our contemporary lives becomes more pronounced because of the implications of peace and forgiveness to the world when Jesus entered Jerusalem riding on a donkey, rather than a horse. The donkey signifies the peaceful nature of Jesus' entry. By taking the sins of the world upon Himself, Jesus fulfilled not only the characteristics of a physical and worldly king, but also of a spiritual king. Thus, the people who shouted "Hosanna" rejoiced over their Messiah.

This year, Holy Week comes at a time when the nation is gearing for a political exercise in May. While most Filipinos -- candidates, supporters, and kibitzers alike - will certainly prepare their utmost for this national undertaking, it is our hope that we would all find it in our hearts to pause and reflect on the significance of Palm Sunday and the Holy Week, and momentarily cast aside selfish and worldly motives.*